Author's Note:

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Man

The sun was blisteringly hot. He felt sweat trickle an uncomfortable path from the back of his neck all the way down his back. He longed to shed his robes, but he knew the sun would burn his skin if he did.

The desert was calm, at least for now. There was no wind and he thanked the gods that there was no sandstorm.

"It is too hot," he finally complained, tugging at his collar. His steed hung his head low, tired just like his master.

His companion hummed in agreement. His face was striking even if it was covered with dust. His skin was fair, with a prominent jawline and angled cheekbones. His eyes were bright and piercing. His black hair was hidden in his turban.

"They say that long ago this desert was a green land," his companion answered. His voice was deep and cultured.

He glanced around him sceptically. There was not a green patch in sight.

"It is hard to believe," he said at last. His companion laughed.

"It is true," he insisted. "A Race lived among the forests that once covered this land. They were similar to us men. But it is said they had long lives and did not die except from wounds or grief. They were beautiful beyond reckoning, and their wisdom was deep."

The man snorted.

"I never believed you were the kind to listen to fairy tales and drunken men's imaginative stories," he remarked. "You always preferred reason over speculation." His companion's lips deepened into a smile.

"You are right." His companion said ruefully with a nod. "I do not know what came over me. But I do believe that the land remembers those that pass through it. And I sense something in the air. This land mourns for the people that once lived here. I am certain of it."

He glanced around uneasily. Such talk always made him nervous.

"Come on, then." He said, his discomfort causing his horse to become skittish. "Let us go, then. I do not wish to stay unnecessarily long in a haunted place."

With that he spurred his horse into action. The wind picked up, and he thought he heard a soft male voice singing in a foreign language. He strained to hear more, but it was gone.